Howdy -
I'm swimming to get in shape. I've been here before but started my training wrong and hurt the shoulders and stopped (few years back now). Weight and time kept increasing and I'm back. I can do a 1700-2400 yd workout in a SCY pool now without much difficulty (been back a bit over a month, lost 15 lbs and doing some PT proactively for the shoulder support muscles, feeling better). Well someone at work talked to me about a swim they are going to (Peak's to Portland swim to benefit the Portland, ME YMCA). It is "only" 2.4 miles, open water, in the ocean (Atlantic in July.. 50s for water temp?).
I am going to hit search here for training but looking for suggestions. I have just over 3 months to train (middle July). The other day I did 900yds without rest (I know, not a big deal but compared to a month ago, not bad) but that was a SCY pool with turns/kicks every 25yds.
So... What is a good strategy from going from "0 to 2 miles"? Our masters class is an informal class that is a workout group that meets 2 nights a week. We have a coach who runs swim teams for younger kids and has given great help on stroke so I'll be talking to her for thoughts but I wonder where I should be and when to get to that 2.4 miles by mid July?
Parents
Former Member
I decided to see how my mile looked (both in terms of possibility and timing) tonight (by mile I mean 1650 SCY, not sure if I am right or not). It was my first time ever swimming that long without rest (well a slight lie, I flipped to my back for a few strokes around each of the 500, 750 and 1200 "milestones")... Sounds silly to the pros out there but I never really had this urge to swim competitively and push myself until now, at 32.
So I did the mile in a bit over 30 minutes. Not a great pace! worked to about 1:50/1:55 per 100 but I was taking slower open turns and not pushing off with as much force since I can't push off in the OW swim. I also didn't want to push the right shoulder too much on the first "distance" try. Plus I was in swim trunks (I know.. I know... I've decided to ignore my wife's pleas and will be purchasing a pair of Jammers or two). Was actually a mental fight more than a physical fight. Feeling like this 2.4 miler is really possible and if I keep it up, I may even stay out of last place ;-)
I decided to see how my mile looked (both in terms of possibility and timing) tonight (by mile I mean 1650 SCY, not sure if I am right or not). It was my first time ever swimming that long without rest (well a slight lie, I flipped to my back for a few strokes around each of the 500, 750 and 1200 "milestones")... Sounds silly to the pros out there but I never really had this urge to swim competitively and push myself until now, at 32.
So I did the mile in a bit over 30 minutes. Not a great pace! worked to about 1:50/1:55 per 100 but I was taking slower open turns and not pushing off with as much force since I can't push off in the OW swim. I also didn't want to push the right shoulder too much on the first "distance" try. Plus I was in swim trunks (I know.. I know... I've decided to ignore my wife's pleas and will be purchasing a pair of Jammers or two). Was actually a mental fight more than a physical fight. Feeling like this 2.4 miler is really possible and if I keep it up, I may even stay out of last place ;-)
